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'Missing arms spark Yemen alert' 'Missing arms spark Yemen alert'
(20 minutes later)
The closure of three embassies in Yemen was prompted by Yemeni security forces losing track of six trucks full of arms and explosives, say reports from Yemen. The closure of three embassies in Yemen was prompted by local security forces losing track of six trucks full of arms and explosives, say reports from Yemen.
France announced its mission in the capital Sanaa was shut on Monday, a day after the US and UK closed theirs.France announced its mission in the capital Sanaa was shut on Monday, a day after the US and UK closed theirs.
This follows threats from an al-Qaeda offshoot linked to a plot to blow up an airliner over the US on Christmas Day. It follows threats from an al-Qaeda wing linked to an alleged plot to blow up a transatlantic plane over the US.
Yemeni government sources, meanwhile, said their forces had shot dead two militants north of Sanaa.Yemeni government sources, meanwhile, said their forces had shot dead two militants north of Sanaa.
A Yemen-based group called Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (Aqap) last week said it was behind an alleged Christmas Day plot to bomb a US airliner, as it urged attacks on "crusaders" in embassies. A Yemen-based group called Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (Aqap) last week urged attacks on "crusaders" in embassies, as it claimed an alleged attempt to bomb a US airliner on Christmas Day.
The US shut its embassy in Sanaa on Sunday, citing "ongoing threats" by the militant organisation, and the UK followed suit.The US shut its embassy in Sanaa on Sunday, citing "ongoing threats" by the militant organisation, and the UK followed suit.
On Monday, France shut its Yemen embassy, Japan suspended its consular service in Sanaa, and Spain restricted public access to its mission there.On Monday, France shut its Yemen embassy, Japan suspended its consular service in Sanaa, and Spain restricted public access to its mission there.
Meanwhile, all travellers flying to America are now being subjected to new security measures, introduced by the US government. It comes after six trucks full of weapons and explosives entered the capital, and the security forces lost track of the vehicles, according to Yemeni media.
BBC security correspondent Frank Gardener says that is a perfectly likely scenario, and Western embassies in the region are a prime target for al-Qaeda.
The Yemeni authorities have tightened security measures at Sanaa's airport, as well as around a number of embassies.
Meanwhile, all travellers flying to America are now being subjected to tougher screening, introduced by the US government.
Passengers from 14 countries, including those the US deems state-sponsors of terrorism - Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria - will face extra searches.
Yemen and Nigeria - through which the main bomb plot suspect, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, travelled - also face the new restrictions.
Passengers flying from other countries will be checked at random.